4 years standing underneath a cover.

[Almost]

I've been reading this forum for a couple of months since I' inherited my1.4k
She didn't look pretty after 4 years underneath canvas.
The forks had a lot of surface rust along with cases. But after some effort  she is starting to look good.
I'm trying to get her in shape for a ride across to Thailand sometime soon.
So can I ask what steps would you do before  turning her on.( I'm talking about the bike of course) I haven't  started it yet.
The front brakes  are seized, I've bought  a seal kit so that should  be  covered. Wheel bearings seem okay. The fuel in the petrol tank smells like paint thinner. I have bought new break and clutch hoses from Hel.Also have oil and air filters , plugs and fluids.
I liked advice  on what else I should  investigate.
At the moment I'm breaking all the fastenings and putting  copper ease on all the bolts.
Thanks in advance

Ps There's some great information It's really been helpful already
Pps. Maybe I should mention the rear shocks are after-market Hagon Nitro.

[Mick_J]

Welcome to the forum Almost. 
First thing Is to remove the tank and drain it out, then shove some fresh fuel in there.  While the tank is off I would remove the plugs.  If the battery is in good order (unlikely after 4 years just sitting there) I would give a starter a press to make sure nothing has seized, this will also slosh a bit of oil around before you try a start.  If it spins up I would replace the plugs and tank and try to start the engine, they are pretty tough so I don't think there will be any problems with it.  Once it has started give it few minutes to warm up and dump the old oil and filter for fresh stuff.  Check the dates on the tyres if they are past 5-6 years old replace them for new.  While the wheels are out you can attend to the brakes easier, also check the sprocket bearing while it's out.  That should keep you busy for a while.  Where are you?

[Almost]

Thanks for the welcome. I'm in sunny London.
Have tried Bilt Hamber tank cleaner before. I think I will change the fuel filter and hose while I'm at it.
Can't wait to get on the road,but it's still cold here so no rush.

[Notty]

Welcome 

[KiwiCol]

Gidday Almost & welcome to the forum.  Mick has you on the right track for pre-start & start up.    If it were me doing it though, I'd be inclined to drain the old oil out first & fill with fresh prior to start, but that's just me.

[Kiwifruit]

Almost welcome 

[Stepdoug]

 Definitely dump the tyres . Had a rear go on mine a few years back. Not fun.

[Almost]

Gidday Almost & welcome to the forum.  Mick has you on the right track for pre-start & start up.    If it were me doing it though, I'd be inclined to drain the old oil out first & fill with fresh prior to start, but that's just me.

I'm of the same mind.

[Almost]

Definitely dump the tyres . Had a rear go on mine a few years back. Not fun.

Really.  Are they bad news after so long I didn't  realise.  One more thing on the list.
Cheers

[grog]

Mate, you have a list to do. Good luck with it all.

[GSXKING]

I concur with all the previous comments 4 years of inactivity is huge on a motorcycle 😵😵
Good luck with rebirthing the GSX.
You won't believe what a great allrounder it is 🥳🥳🥳

[Stepdoug]

Definitely dump the tyres . Had a rear go on mine a few years back. Not fun.

Really.  Are they bad news after so long I didn't  realise.  One more thing on the list.
Cheers

[VladTepes]

@Almost


@Stepdoug  Ouch!

[Stepdoug]

 ???was about three years ago. Doing 90 ish. Outside lane of a clear motorway.
Felt/ had some vibration on the front .
So slowed down a bit heard a lot more noise so pulled over and that was the end result.
Took all the rear light out aswell

Tyre tread wise was very good condition
But it was the age of it that caused the end result.
But to look at it looked good .
So now check age rings on bikes when I buy them.

[GSXKING]

Date of manufacture is stamped on side of tyre. I've heard some horror stories of guys saying "one quick ride & I'll change them" & bang into Armco or crashed big time. Not worth it guys 💩💩💩